“It’s just disappointing. We’re all here for you, but where are you?” -Iris West
It’s Barry Allen AKA The Flash’s birthday!!!! What more could a scarlet speedster ask for!? Aside from reflecting on the events that took place in The Button arc, Green Lantern, Hal Jordan drops by to wish Barry birthday wishes.. minus alien invasions from the villain Multiplex. The Flash is in for one heck of a Birthday. Why is Multiplex invading earth? Is Iris getting closer to discovering Barry’s secret identity? Oy Vey!!!!
Joshua Williamson details The Flash’s accounts during the aftermath of The Button arc. Readers see Barry Allen trying to deal with the fallout that happened during the Button arc, dwelling on Jay Garrick, pondering what his relation to him was after he and Batman were saved by Garrick. Much like The Button arc, this is a good jumping on point for readers who haven’t been reading Williamson’s run on The Flash thus far. Exposition is made, the stage is set, and the story guides the reader, providing information throughout. Some of the greatest parts of this issue is The Flash and Green Lantern’s interactions. They’re one of Comic Book’s greatest duos, so to see Williamson handle their friendship and remarks is a delight to read. The handle of the Wally West (new 52) and Iris West plot points are nicely paced by Williamson who makes sure that each interaction is purposeful and not wasted.
The antagonist of this issue, Multiplex is a nice counter to Barry’s fears (post The Button arc). His reasons for wreaking havoc is kind of hilarious, and sort of ridiculous, yet like most cases, most crimes happen due to an ex-lover or an obsession of one. Which in that case is not that far off from reality when it comes to motivations of people who commit domestic crimes in general. Williamson makes a lot of parallels with Barry, Wally, Iris, and Multiplex, focusing on the themes of obsession, which is thematically paced and well placed.
The art by Carmine Di Giandomenico shines with raw energy and refinement. His pencils always feel kinetic, as if they were ready to hop off the page. Ivan Plascencia’s colors add another element of energy when imbued with Giandomenico’s pencils. The colors are vibrant, making every movement and gleam of a character’s aura feel prominent and powerful. The letters by Steve Wands compliments the artwork aesthetically. Making it feel perfectly placed and confident in placement in regards to the art and the narrative of the story.
If you loved The Button arc or loved the Williamson’s run on The Flash thus far, then you’ll most likely like this issue as it details the fallout of the last arc. I can confidently say that The Flash is one of the most prominent DC Comics books out there thus far. Definitely, pick this issue up.
Newsdesk